The most popular choice of drink among people that workout is plain old water. Water is definitely a top choice to help keep you hydrated, but what if you need more water than you’re willing to drink?

Sometimes flavored water will help you drink more because it tastes better. The source of where your fluids come from isn’t as important as actually getting the fluids in your body. There are plenty of different drink options for athletes that taste better that water. Some of them even have more beneficial nutrients than water. You just have to find the right ones. Here are some of the top drink choices that people use to help keep them hydrated while working out.

1. H2O

Water is cheap and accessible in most places. The reality is that most people don’t drink enough of it throughout the day. You may not think that you are dehydrated when you’re working out, so drinking water before, during and after a workout is recommended. The amount of water that you should drink while working out varies depending on the intensity of your workout. But considering the majority of people don’t even drink the recommended eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, it’s highly unlikely that most people drink enough while working out.

If water just doesn’t quench your thirst enough to keep you drinking as much as you need, then take a look at some other options.

2. Flavored water

Vitamin Water has a good source of nutrients and is available in different flavors. It doesn’t have a ton of sugar either, so there are definitely more unhealthy drinks out there. The main thing you’re concerned with when working out is staying hydrated. If flavored water is the only way for that to happen, then so be it.

You can also consider products like Propel or Champions Edge that you can mix in your water bottle. These are generally healthy and provide some added benefits to help aid your workout rather than just water.

3. Sports drinks

In addition to tasting great and keeping you hydrated, sports drinks give you some additional fuel to help you through your workout, and electrolytes to help you recover. The science is in the carbohydrates, which help put more energy back in your body. Gatorade and Powerade are the top two choices, but there are plenty other brands that are just as good.

Many people reach for a sports drink over anything else because it helps them have more endurance during their workout. It also helps them stay active throughout the day, especially if they workout in the morning.

4. Energy drinks

Everyone has their own opinion about the potential benefits and downfalls of energy drinks. The truth is that there are some out there that can be helpful when you’re working out. Sugar-free energy drinks are best because they provide you with caffeine, but not a lot of the bad stuff that’s unhealthy for you.

Caffeine can help get you through a workout and remain focused throughout the duration. Just be sure not to overdo it and stick with 1-2 energy drinks per day to avoid the harmful effects.

These are the top picks when it comes to drinks while working out. But you may be wondering how much you need to drink in order to stay hydrated?

Again, the answer varies depending on how long and how hard you work out. The more you sweat, the more you will need to replenish fluids. If you just go out on a casual run, then you will be fine with just drinking a bottle of water or a sports drink. But if you plan on working out for an hour or more, then you will likely need to drink a lot more.

No one knows your body better than you, but a general guideline is when you think you are hydrated enough, drink a little more.